4A boys' tennis: Mtn. View fulfills coach's promise with title

Mountain View's coach made good on a promise in his last year of coaching.

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Mountain View's Jon Dollahite played with a swagger usually reserved for more seasoned players.

The freshman didn't fuss with his racquet at missed opportunities. He shook off the bad hits and rolled with the punches because hours of practice have prepared him for this day.

Dollahite and Timpview's Matt Pearce were locked in a war of attrition on center stage for the Class 4A boys' tennis state championship Saturday at Eccles Tennis Center. The seasoned Pearce overpowered the underclassman, but Dollahite used a great touch to impose his will. Dollahite's mature court presence proved the difference maker in the No. 1 singles title match.

Dollahite drilled the match point to the far left corner and breathed a sigh of relief. His legs were shaky but his forearm never wavered.

"Matt was incredible, he played such a good game," Dollahite said. "I just played incredibly well throughout this tournament  the best tennis of my life."

Dollahite seized the No. 1 singles title with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over the reigning state champ at No. 2 singles.

Dollahite' win at No. 1 singles coupled with teammate Manuel Ortiz's crown at No. 3 singles, lifted the Bruins to their first team state title.

It was a fitting end for Wil Mueller's 19-year career coaching Mountain View. Mueller, who fulfilled a promise to end his teaching career with a state title, credited the team win on the quality and character of his players.

"It was spectacular the quality of play today," Mueller said. "I couldn't be happier with the outcome and how well all of my singles played."

Logan finished as the runner-up with 14 points by sweeping the doubles. Timpview grabbed third with 13. The No. 2 doubles championship bout proved to be the match of the day. Logan's Andrew Hopkins and James Larsen were pushed to a third set by Woods Cross' Ethan Johnson and Colin Cole. But high-flying lobs and quality service made the difference in the Grizzlies' 7-6, 6-7, 6-1 win.

Larsen's older brother Jordan paired with Hunter Ballam to win at No. 1 doubles by knocking off Timpview's Josh Harrison and Zack Simpson in the title match.

"It was a bit of revenge out there," Ballam said. "We took second last year, so we wanted to finish this year out strong." 

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